"I'm the Princess... Could you ask my opinion before doing something like that?"
In the garden of the City Lord's Mansion, the False Princess looked at Annan, who had come to see her.
"I thought the Princess wouldn't mind," Annan said.
The False Princess showed a trace of displeasure. It did not fit the Princess's usual manner, but it made her seem much more alive.
Annan felt a little embarrassed. "Sorry. I was too hasty. It won't happen again."
The False Princess did not want to fall out with the Princess's "Special Envoy." She relaxed and resumed her gentle manner. "Tell me before the Premiere."
"All right." Annan raised his head and looked around.
"Is there something else?"
"Where's that butler who likes to cackle?"
"...I sent him on an errand."
Annan drew his gaze back. "I'd like to meet some nobles. Do you know how I can get in touch with them?"
"The Spirit House... It's quite popular with ladies and young women right now," the Princess said after a moment's thought. She seemed to have misunderstood something.
Annan left the City Lord's Mansion and headed for the Spirit House she had mentioned.
It stood in a Park, though these days, everywhere in the Flower Capital looked like a garden.
What set this place apart was the many carriages parked along the street outside the Park. Brightly dressed women walked together, their suitors following them, while merchants stood at the roadside selling their wares.
"Sorry, we have other things to do."
Rose politely turned down a young man who had approached them. Once he walked away, she grimaced and waved a hand. "So annoying... Mineral powder and perfume, and not a bit of manliness."
"I thought you used to like that?" her friend asked curiously.
"You said it yourself: